The Ship’s Deck – a South Yarra Pre-Engineered, In-Ground Plunge Pool for a Residential Courtyard

Recently we had the pleasure to work with clients in the heart of South Yarra undertaking an exciting project. After purchasing an old, outdated block of flats, they were looking to create one larger, family home that would accommodate three generations at once. Naturally, they quickly realised that no family estate would be quite complete without a gorgeous swimming pool set amongst their stylish courtyard.

Our clients made clear their specific desires of having a custom, partially elevated plunge pool that would still be considered a part of the home’s living and dining space. As a result, the pool itself was built 1.2 metres above ground level, and had to include a specially engineered beam and piers systems to adequately elevate the wall panelling. This presented a range of unique challenges but eventuated in a design spanning 6.0m in length and 3.25m in width, with an accommodating entry point for all members of the family, from children to grandparents. Thanks to well placed, frameless glass pool fencing, the sunken area of the pool itself continues to blend uninterrupted with wider features of the outdoor space, such as the kitchen, basketball area, vegetable garden, and even a putting green. Paired with the existing rustic red brick offering a striking juxtaposition with the calmer whites and greys of the sundeck, as well as the luscious blues of the pool’s interior reminiscent of Costa Rican coastlines, it is certainly an enviable spot to relax and call home.

Overcoming the Challenging Logistics of a Narrow, Inner-City Location

As mentioned above, challenges revolved around this particular project, largely from gaining access to the site. The property was located in a slim, inner-city street, requiring a 1.5m entryway needed to be cut into the garage’s rear wall simply to make logistics possible for the required teams and machinery. A 2.0m drop that started from the back door of the property to the garage then added further complexity and complications to the initial excavation and ongoing construction in the area.

Another request made by the client was for all pool equipment to be hidden from view. This included the electric heat pump, which we successfully concealed inside of a long, thin corridor measuring 2.5m by 1.2m, which required extensive consideration surrounding the pool’s hydraulic design of the plumbing systems for the sake of securing optimal efficiency. Alongside the electric heat pump, the finished pool also had a range of energy-efficient equipment, a freshwater sanitisation system, concealed pool blanket, and lights sporting a range of dazzling colours, creating an ideal spot to be with extended family and friends every month of the year.

Christening the ‘Ship’s Deck’

The family had affectionately named this area of their property the ‘Ship’s Deck’ – a perfect summation for a cool, wooden sundeck alongside a crystal-blue plunge pool. The series of engineering and logistical challenges proved well worth it as the finished result offered a unique, low-maintenance and beautiful space to enjoy in a variety of ways for every member of their family. More photos of this plunge pool project can be browsed on the South Yarra Project Gallery >

Albatross Pools – MPBAA Award Winning Pool Designers & Builders

For over half a century, the team at Albatross Pools have operated as one of Melbourne’s leading custom pool builders, helping thousands of clients bring their dream designs to life. We are Master Pool Builders Association of Australia Award-winning pool designers and builders who love a challenge, offering pre-engineered parts that are available to be assembled on site, creating a simple, flexible and accelerated installation for whatever size or shape your swimming pool may be. For more information and inspiration, take a moment to browse our gallery of swimming pools completed across the state, visit our two display centres or contact us at Albatross Pools directly today!